Landscaping Rules in Westminster, CO

Westminster maintains 97 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Westminster falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Artificial Turf

Westminster generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Westminster gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Native Plants

Westminster may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Westminster gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Water Restrictions

During a declared drought or water shortage emergency, Westminster's City Manager can limit lawn watering to specific days or times, ban new lawn installs and outdoor irrigation, and fine violators up to $1,000, under Code Section 8-7-24.

Key details: Trigger: City-declared drought/water shortage emergency. Governing section: WMC § 8-7-24. Max fine: $1,000 per violation. Who's liable: Person billed for water service. Appeal window: 30 days from notice.

Violating a declared drought watering restriction is punishable by a fine or penalty up to $1,000.00 under Section 8-7-24(B), W.M.C., which can be added straight to the water bill, combined with installation of a flow restrictor, or pursued as a noncriminal citation under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C. A written appeal must be filed within 30 days of the notice.

Compared to other cities, Westminster takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Westminster requires property owners, occupants, or agents to remove dead trees or dead, overhanging boughs that endanger life, limb, or property once the Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries sends written notice. If the deadline passes without action, the City removes the tree itself and bills the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.

Key details: Governing section: W.M.C. § 13-3-3. Trigger: Director's written removal notice. Compliance window: Time specified in the notice. Enforcing office: Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries. Nonpayment consequence: First and prior lien on the property.

Failing to remove a dead or dangerous tree or overhanging bough within the time set by the Director's written notice is unlawful under Section 13-3-5, W.M.C. The City may then remove the hazard itself under Section 13-3-3(B) and charge the cost to the owner, occupant, or agent as a first and prior lien on the property, collectible under Title I, Chapter 31 and Subsection 8-4-5(B), W.M.C.

Weed Ordinances

Westminster bans weeds taller than 12 inches and turf or grass over six inches on any premises, including the strip between the property line and the street, under Code Section 8-1-13. The city can mow the lot itself and bill the owner if the violation isn't fixed.

Key details: Weed height limit: 12 inches, § 8-1-13(A)(1). Turf height limit: 6 inches, § 8-1-13(C)(2). Noxious weeds: Banned regardless of height, Title 35 Art. 5.5 C.R.S.. Enforcement: Summary abatement, § 8-1-16(C)(1)(d). Coverage area: Extends to abutting sidewalk/alley strip.

Weeds over 12 inches or turf over six inches trigger summary abatement without advance notice under Section 8-1-16(C)(1)(d): the City can mow the property and place the cost as a lien on it. A conviction is also fined under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C., with each day the condition continues counted as a separate violation.

Tree Trimming

Westminster's Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries controls trimming, spraying, and removal of trees, shrubs, vines, and hedges on the public right-of-way of any street, alley, or sidewalk. Property owners abutting the right-of-way must trim back growth that projects onto or over public property and interferes with safe use of the right-of-way.

Key details: Governing section: W.M.C. § 13-3-2. Compliance window: 10 days after written notice. Enforcing office: Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries. Nonpayment consequence: First lien against the property. Collection method: Assessed under Subsection 8-4-5(B), W.M.C..

Ignoring a Director's written trim notice past the ten-day deadline lets the City do the trimming or removal itself and bill the owner, occupant, or agent for the cost under Section 13-3-2(B). Unpaid costs become a first lien against the property, collectible under Subsection 8-4-5(B), W.M.C. Failing to comply with any chapter 3 notice or Director rule is also a separate unlawful act under Section 13-3-5.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Westminster gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Westminster's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.